God’s provision

We are in the midst of a sermon series on The Bread of Life Discourse, found in the second half of John 6. In this Discourse, Jesus presents the idea that He is the embodied Bread of Life that provides everlasting life to anyone who receives and consumes Him.

Bread is a fairly universal symbol of provision, and it is used throughout the Bible to illustrate the ways God provides for humanity. Focusing on this Gospel Discourse has had me thinking a lot these past few weeks about God’s promise of provision.

“Do not keep seeking what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying…your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek the kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”  ~Luke 12:29-31

So if we believe that God provides for all, why is there still hunger in the world? Why are children dying of malnourishment? Which is true: the reality we see all around us or what Jesus tells us and is recorded in the Bible?

I would argue that both are true. There are people in the world who do not have enough, and yet we believe in a God who provides enough for all. The key is in how this provision is distributed, and that is up to us. God created a world that has enough and is enough for all to thrive; but our first sin was not being satisfied with what we were given. Adam and Eve sought outside of God’s provision and took something for themselves that was never meant for them. Throughout history, humanity continues to struggle with the same sin of greed. We hoard resources and pollute the earth with the waste we produce while others struggle to survive. Our sin of greed is why there is still hunger in the world despite God’s promise of provision.

This question of provision came to mind as I inventoried the school supplies so generously donated by The Hearth community this week. Does a school supply drive solve the problem of thousands of children returning to school next week without the tools they need to engage in a meaningful way in their education? Unfortunately, no. However, a school drive is one way we can participate in sharing the excess resources on loan to us by God with those in need. And this school drive will absolutely change the academic experience of many children at Catalina Elementary School. 

It is a privilege to be in a position where God invites us to share what we have with others, ensuring that the promise of God’s provision is true for all people. May we always be grateful for all that we have; and may we be generous stewards of what we have been given. ​